(1) The training model thus far is that of the medieval apprentice- a trainee is to become a clone of his/her supervisor. (2) Trainees are rarely permitted to conduct work not expressly assigned/approved by supervisor. (3) Training goals for postdocs at a national level are unspecified. (4) All postdocs are trained as if they will become academic research professors.

You have to pay postdocs a living wage – that means if you live in the Bay Area the NIH minimum is not a living wage. A living wage is 75K. You have to pay for their health benefits – you cannot push the cost of health insurance onto a population that’s already living in poverty.

Topic: Postdoctoral Training
6/30/2015
“Increase salary/implement changes to the postdoc funding system, reduce the numbers of trainees going into the system, provide actual career training to those in it including outside of the academic path, increase exit opportunities, and improve publication policies….”

Topic: Postdoctoral Training
5/22/2015
The vast majority of incoming faculty have no background in management and receive no formal mentorship training. I propose a mandatory, structured 5-day training upon new faculty hiring, and another session after earning tenure.

Topic: Postdoctoral Training
5/22/2015
We propose that postdocs have access to structured career development and exploration tools, currently available to graduate students at many institutions. Postdocs (and the ir mentors) should be prepared for more than one career outcome. Making myIDP, my Individual Development Plan, an official requirement for postdocs would facilitate this goal.

(1) The training model thus far is that of the medieval apprentice- a trainee is to become a clone of his/her supervisor. (2) Trainees are rarely permitted to conduct work not expressly assigned/approved by supervisor. (3) Training goals for postdocs at a national level are unspecified. (4) All postdocs are trained as if they will become academic research professors.